Observed Signal · Oct 12, 2026 · Analyst Upgrade · Source: CNBC Investing · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Deutsche Bank Upgrades AST SpaceMobile to Buy
Deutsche Bank upgraded AST SpaceMobile, a company developing space-based cellular broadband, from hold to buy, maintaining a $93 price target. The upgrade comes after a 26% year-to-date decline and a 10% drop on Friday following SpaceX's acquisition of a spectrum portfolio. Analyst Bryan Kraft sees an opportune entry point, citing potential catalysts such as T-Mobile possibly switching its direct-to-device satellite partner from Starlink to AST, government opportunities including a Space Development Agency letter, and a potential Japanese project that could bring up to $1 billion in government funding. Despite this, nine of 16 covering analysts maintain a hold rating.
Minor news relevant to the financial markets but not to the AdTech/MarTech industry.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Deutsche Bank upgraded AST SpaceMobile to 'buy' from 'hold' with a $93 price target.
- AST SpaceMobile shares fell 10% on Friday after SpaceX announced a spectrum portfolio acquisition.
- T-Mobile may switch its direct-to-device satellite partner from Starlink to AST.
- A potential Japanese project could provide up to $1 billion in government funding for AST.
- Nine of 16 analysts covering AST rate it as a hold.
Connected Companies & Entities
4 Entities mapped“The bank upgraded the stock to buy from hold and maintained its $93 price target.”
“Shares dropped 10% on Friday after Elon Musk said SpaceX would buy a nationwide spectrum portfolio.”
“T-Mobile potentially switching from Starlink to AST as its direct-to-device satellite connectivity partner.”
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Bernstein downgrades AT&T on SpaceX wireless threat
Bernstein downgraded AT&T to market perform from outperform, lowering its price target to $24 from $25, citing competitive pressure from SpaceX's expansion into wireless connectivity services. Analyst Laurent Yoon noted that SpaceX's Starlink V3 satellite deployment signals significant capacity expansion, intensifying competition for traditional telecom firms. The report highlights that new satellite-based companies are gaining market share, potentially eroding incumbent pricing power. Although Bernstein's view contrasts with consensus (15 of 27 analysts rate AT&T buy or strong buy), the firm sees volatility ahead. AT&T shares have fallen over 9% in 2026, while SpaceX, which went public earlier this year, is up 17% in the past three months. The downgrade underscores the growing threat of satellite internet to established telecom players.
AT&T downgraded over SpaceX Starlink broadband threat
Investment bank Oppenheimer downgraded AT&T from buy to perform, citing long-term competitive risk to broadband and mobile subscribers from SpaceX’s Starlink low‑Earth orbit satellite constellation. The downgrade came ahead of SpaceX’s planned Nasdaq IPO, for which Reuters reported a planned $135-per-share offering and an implied $1.75 trillion valuation. The Federal Communications Commission in April updated satellite spectrum‑sharing rules — the FCC said this could expand space‑based broadband access substantially — and an FCC commissioner noted satellites can enable direct‑to‑device services. Oppenheimer said cable is particularly vulnerable and that AT&T faces the most exposure among major U.S. telcos; however, the firm expects legacy broadband to hold up in the near term because Starlink service is relatively more expensive today.
Wall Street Analysts Back Three Long-Term Growth Stocks
Top Wall Street analysts highlighted three stocks they believe have strong long-term growth potential: CrowdStrike, AST SpaceMobile, and Broadcom. Stifel analyst Adam Borg reiterated a buy on CrowdStrike and raised his price target, citing AI-driven demand for cybersecurity and CrowdStrike’s expanded European partnership. Piper Sandler’s Alexander Potter initiated coverage of AST SpaceMobile with a buy and a $100 target, noting its space-based cellular broadband technology and partnerships with major mobile network operators. Morgan Stanley’s Joseph Moore reiterated a buy on Broadcom with a $502 target, emphasizing Broadcom’s advantages in AI chips, packaging, and networking despite competitive concerns from MediaTek. The article aggregates analyst ratings and the strategic drivers behind each company’s outlook.
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